The Fresh Loaf

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Eight Strand Bread HELP!

Naomi Yoheved's picture
Naomi Yoheved

Eight Strand Bread HELP!

Last year a lovely person gave me the instrouctions for an 8 braided/stranded bread, I just can't find the instructions, and I can't remember how to do it, can anyone out there help?

 

Naomi

mcs's picture
mcs

Naomi,

I can't claim that I've actually done one, but according to Bo Friberg in "The Professional Pastry Chef":

The eight strands are laid out and numbered 1-8 from left to right, after each movement, they are renumbered 1-8 from left to right (eg. after step 1, the original #2 is now #8, and the original #3 is now #2):

1. braid 2 under 3 and over 8

2. braid 1 over 2,3 and 4

3. braid 7 under 6 and over 1

4. braid 8 over 7,6, and 5

5. repeat braiding sequence

May the force be with you.

-Mark

http://thebackhomebakery.com

Naomi Yoheved's picture
Naomi Yoheved

Mark

 

thanks for that, I have only now checked your reply to my request.  My computer has been totally down, and I have spend several days trying to sort through all my sites.  I will try it this week and let you know.  I did it once and it looked fabulous!  But then had a "brain drain" and lost it and the printout! Again, thanks

Naomi Yoheved

Naomi Yoheved's picture
Naomi Yoheved

Hi there Mark

 

Many thanks, I'll give it a go this evening.  I try braiding with some rope of something first to see how it works. I'll let you know how I get on.

Naomi

ehanner's picture
ehanner

I have never heard of an 8 strand in fact most people chicken out and put 2 three strands on top of each other. However, I've done 6 strands many times and the way I learned is by watching this video.
http://chaitimeblog.wordpress.com/2006/09/03/video-braiding-a-six-strand-challah/

I had to play it back a few times to get the pattern but you can get it by watching. If you are really ready to drool while you work you could add an additional strand on each side I think.

Good luck!

Eric